13 Popular Weight Loss Supplements - 5
10. Fiber
Health Benefits of Fiber
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) - Many medical professionals believe that soluble fiber helps regulate stool frequency and consistency in people with IBS.
Diarrhea - Some types of soluble fiber soak up water in the digestive tract and can be used to relieve mild diarrhea.
Constipation - Studies have shown that fiber can in fact relieve constipation, especially wheat bran and psyllium.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) - Studies of individuals suffering from ulcerative colitis (a type of Inflammatory Bowel Disease) found that psyllium seeds were as effective as the prescription drug mesalamine in reducing the recurrence of the disease.
Hemorrhoids - Soluble fiber help soften stool and reduce the pain associated with hemorrhoids.
High Cholesterol - Soluble fiber promotes lower cholesterol levels in the body when included with a low-cholesterol diet. Psyllium is considered to be one of the primary soluble fibers used to lower levels of LDL, the bad cholesterol.
Diabetes - Studies suggest that diets high in fiber can help to lower insulin and blood sugar levels, improve cholesterol and triglyceride levels, and help prevent type II diabetes.
High Blood Pressure - It has been suggested that taking 12 grams of soluble fiber a day may help lower blood pressure.
Heart Disease - Ingesting high levels of fiber (whether through diet or supplementation) may drastically reduce the risk of heart disease.
Cancer - While studies are still inconclusive many medical professionas still assert that fiber may help protect against many types of cancer including colon, prostate, breast and uterine cancer.